The Link Between Depression and Addiction: How One Feeds The Other
Understanding the relationship of addiction and depression.
16th September 2024
GaryTheExpert
Depression and Addiction are often intimately linked, with one usually feeding the other. The complex relationship is a vicious cycle, when substances get used to cope with depression, it worsens. A recipe for disaster. Understanding the dynamic between them can greatly benefit someone who is struggling in such cycle.
I too got caught in this cycle. As a former depressed and addicted individual, I spent much money and time in this viscous cycle! Nasty thought came up? Escape with drugs, after drugs bad feeling, equals depression, depression lead to taken more drugs to feel special again.
Understanding Depression and Addiction
Depression is a mood disorder, and characterised by a persistent feeling of sadness. Other symptoms of hopelessness, aka the world is doomed, or lack of interest in things we used to like are common to depression. Addiction on the other hand addiction is a compulsive feeling to act on certain desires, and or to consume substances despite negative consequences.
While these two conditions seem different, they very regularly occur together. People with depression can turn to substances to cope with such feelings while addiction can lead to ‘changes in the brain’ which result in depression.
These changes are for another blog, it’s a deep dive, we can easily put a plaster over it and say, it’s because of chemical changes, or numbing of brain cells, or a change in outlook. And we don’t have exact answers, but we can see over weeks and months, the effects drugs take on the mind and the persons life.
How Can Depression to Addiction?
People experiencing depression often feel overwhelmed with negative emotions, and some seek relief through drugs.
Unfortunately roughly 1 in 3 people struggling with addiction when they are depressed.
And,
Unfortunately roughly 1 in 2 people struggling with depression when they are addicts.
Common ways depression can lead to addiction;
- Self-Medication: Taken drugs like cocaine, codeine, alcohol, or other addictive forms reaching to porn, and gambling is a way to numb their feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Escaping Reality: is a sad reality, because whilst people do get away from reality for a short while, the negative compounding effect starts to crash down eventually.
- Social Isolation: Depression often leads to social withdrawal which is a cycle in itself to increase loneliness feelings, which again leads to ‘finding a friend in the addiction’.
- Low Energy and Motivation: Depression can reduce motivation of course! Making it hard to pursue healthy habits, and coping mechanisms, and when our defences are down suggests comes easier.
How Can Addiction Worsen Depression?
While substance abuse may gift temporary relief from depressive symptoms, they can ultimately worsen depression in long term. Here’s how addiction can worse depression:
- Neurochemical Changes: Substance abuse alters brain chemistry, whilst we don’t have fantastic data it is fair to say taken substances alters chemistry.
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: Addiction often leads to high levels of anxiety and stress. These can exacerbate depressive symptoms.
- Relationship Strain: Addiction can cause significant strain on personal relationships, leading to guilt, shame, and isolation, which of course contribute to depression.
- Financial and Legal Problems: It’s clearly illegal to do drugs, and the financial cost can mount, adding to increase low mood and frustration to life.
Breaking the Cycle! Treating Depression and Addiction
Treating depression and addiction together, which would be known as co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions together.
1. Integrate Treatment Plan(s)
Using multiple treatment plans is a common process for helping and overcoming depression and addiction. An example would be rehab and therapy. These other examples can be used in harmony.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people understand and change their thought patterns that contribute to both depression and addiction.
- Medication Management: Antidepressants or other medications may prescribed to depression, while medications like naltrexone or buprenorphine can help with addiction recovery.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): This therapy encourages individuals to find the motivation to change their behaviour and commit to treatment.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Recognising that trauma often underlies both depression and addiction, this approach ensures that treatment is sensitive to past trauma, and helps heal those wounds.
2. Support Groups and Peer Support
Support groups, such as (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous, (NA) Narcotics Anonymous, or (DBSA) Depression and Bipolar Alliance, provide a safe space to share experiences and learn from others going through or past a similar path.
Here are two you might not have heard off.
- Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA): Specifically designed for those with co-occurring disorders, DRA offers a supportive community for those battling both addiction and depression.
- Peer Support Specialists: Trained individuals with lived experience of both addiction and mental health issues can provide guidance and support.
Preventing Relapse: Strategies for Maintaining Strength
Preventing Relapse requires continuous effort and support. An important note for me to stay sober, strong, and continue to grow is having something more compelling than doing drugs, and knowing the negative outcomes.
Here are some strategies that will help you stay strong!
- Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies.
- Creating a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and professionals who understand your journey and can offer encouragement.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like mindfulness meditation can help individuals stay present and manage cravings or negative thoughts.
- Regular Mental Health Check-ins: Schedule regular appointments with a therapist or counsellor to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Wrapping up, it’s clear addiction isn’t good. We need to get away from it. Learning to deal with our emotions is crucial to overcoming addiction. Dr. Mate, world renowned trauma and addiction expert has stated that addiction is ALWAYS rooted in Trauma. Understand that, and you can trace back your situation, I was addicted from my dad passing, it crippled me! But like anyone, I overcame my addiction, and the cheesy sentence is next, you can too!
If you know someone struggling with addiction, depression and anxiety, feel free to book a call here with me: Book 30 or 60 min call
Gary The Expert